There’s never a shortage of new restaurants in Metro Manila to try, and here at Coconuts Manila, 2019 has been particularly busy with hitting up trendy new hot spots, cafes, fancy joints, and trying out the latest F&B gimmick.

Some were misses, but many were hits — offering delicious food and, often times, Insta-worthy interiors, to boot.

From a mall kiosk to a sprawling food hall, and even an underground restaurant, here are all the places we tried in 2018 that are getting the most love from our Coconuts crew.

Many of the seen-and-be-seen bars and restaurants in Makati’s Poblacion area can get really crowded, so we were glad to have found Run Rabbit Run, a low-key bar on the quieter side of the neighborhood that’s fit for imbibers who just want to chill.

Their craft cocktails were concocted by the team behind Bitters and Love, a bar in Singapore’s Telok Ayer neighborhood, but also includes drinks inspired by Filipino flavors like the flower Sampaguita and the shaved ice dessert halo-halo.

Another taste of New York City was brought to Manila earlier this year when the famous Magnolia Bakery opened in Bonifacio Global City in August.

Known here as M Bakery, the shop serves favorites like the creamy banana pudding and the iconic “Carrie” cupcake featured on Sex and the City, as well as classic desserts like a chocolate icebox cake and chocolate chip cookies.